Basic Information About Packaging
While environmentalists see packaging as a great source of dangerous waste, it is definitely the only way to make sure goods are well protected and preserved, so we can safely use them. Food, furniture, clothes, electronics, even mail are protected by some sort of packaging. There are different types of packaging in order to best protect and preserve different goods.
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Types of Packaging
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There are two main types of packaging: standard and custom made. While some products can be packed in simple standard packaging, such as bags, plastic containers, packaging peanuts or bubble wrap, more sensitive products require custom-made packaging. For example, when you buy a computer, inside the box there is a custom-made foam that acts like a cushion between the box and the computer.
Packaging Materials
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The materials used to make protective packaging are paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass and fabric. Most packaging products are made of plastic: films, bags, wraps, foams, bottles, containers, boxes and inter-layers. Cardboard boxes and inter-layers are also popular. Some packaging materials are biodegradable and most of them are recyclable. Some companies also developed new technologies lately to create biodegradable materials to substitute the plastic in grocery bags. For example, there are bags and pens made out of corn. They degrade in about six weeks in soils or water.
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Function
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The main use of the packaging products is protection. Packaging protects goods against contamination, weather damage, scratches, deformation, corrosion, breaking and theft. Food needs to be preserved in order for us to be safe to consume it. Fragile objects can't be stacked or transported without being protected by packaging. Some valuable products are packed in bigger boxes than necessary to make it difficult for thieves to sneak them out of stores.
Packaging can also be a good method of advertisement for producers and for consumers is a great source of information (ingredients and nutritional information).
Standard Packaging
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There are simple, standard types of packaging that can be used for good protection, such as bags, bubble wrap rolls, foam rolls, film rolls, cling films, plastic containers, boxes, adhesive tapes and many more. These can come in different sizes or colors and are pre-made by packaging companies. Depending on the complexity, size, weight, shape and value of the product needed to be packed, these standard materials can be the best solution or can be modified for a better protection. Examples of standard packaging that we use in our home are storage bags, zip-lock bags, garbage bags, food containers, bubble wrap and packaging peanuts.
Custom Packaging
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As the name suggests it, custom packaging is designed specially for one type of product. Most food and drink products use custom-made packaging, according to the producer's desires and needs (such as printed logo, shape, material and nutritional information). Electronics also require custom-made packaging in order to be well protected during transportation and storage.
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